Machine with a supporting framework for holding a covering

ABSTRACT

The subject matter of the present invention is a machine, in particular a container treatment machine, with at least one machine element ( 1 ), and with at least one associated covering ( 2 ) which completely or partially covers the machine element ( 1 ). According to the invention, a supporting framework ( 4, 5 ) consisting of columns ( 4 ) and crossmembers ( 5 ) which are connected to one another in a centring manner at node points ( 6 ) is provided for holding the covering ( 2 ).

The invention relates to a machine, in particular a container treatment machine, having at least one machine element and at least one associated covering which completely or partially encloses the machine element.

Machines, and in this instance container treatment machines, broadly serve to fill and/or clean containers, label them, cap them etc. Within the scope of the present invention, the term container treatment machine also refers to machines for the mixing of liquids, for the cleaning of containers, for the pasteurising of products or of containers filled with product, for the emptying and/or cleaning and/or filling and/or capping of metal or plastic drums, for the packing of containers or groups of containers, for the carbonising of liquids, for the inspection of open or closed containers, for the stretch blow moulding of containers.

Today, filling is usually carried out under sterile conditions, in particular in the food industry, as is described in the type-defining DE 10 2005 012 507 A1. For this purpose the said prior art disclosure refers by way of example to a bottle store that is encapsulated with a wall. This arrangement is intended to keep warm air which leaves a blow moulding machine, or which is produced by the heat of the bottles, around the bottles. The wall may be constructed for example of metal, plastic, glass or similar in order to encapsulate the warm air. Heat insulating material may also be employed at this location.

The likewise type-defining DE 10 2004 017 737 A1 has also disclosed a cycling carrousel filling machine. In this case too, sterile filling conditions apply and an enclosure is again realised which represents a barrier to bacteria and spores.

Apart from these previously documented container treatment machines that have at least one associated covering in particular for the sterile treatment of containers, numerous other container treatment machines exist in practice which for aesthetic reasons for example are equipped with such coverings—usually made of glass. In the past the usual approach has been for machine and covering, or the machine element to be enclosed and associated covering, to always be developed, manufactured and sold together. This type of approach is of course costly and prevents standardisation. This is where the invention seeks to provide a remedy.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a machine, in particular a container treatment machine, to the extent that individual or all machine elements can be enclosed simply and inexpensively and that opportunities for standardisation are also provided.

To solve this technical problem, a generic machine is disclosed, in particular a container treatment machine within the scope of the invention, characterised in that a supporting framework consisting of columns and crossmembers which are interconnected in a centring manner at node points is provided for holding the covering. This means that the invention does not expressly make use of mountings, booms etc. which have to be especially attached to the machine element that is to be enclosed in order for the covering to be fastened thereto. Use is made instead of a usually self-supporting framework which consists of columns and crossmembers interconnected in a centring manner at node points, and which is provided and intended to hold the covering. This means that the supporting framework is usually dimensioned and designed so that it carries the covering alone—without the machine element to be covered—i.e. it is self-supporting in design.

According to an advantageous embodiment this is usually achieved in that the respective column is equipped with at least one connecting flange which is folded relative to a non-folded lug and serves the combined centring relative to, and coupling with, the crossmember. This means that the column initially has one or a plurality of folded connecting flanges. This connecting flange is manufactured from the column by being folded relative to the column, i.e. it is normally folded back by an angle of approx. 90°. This folding operation to produce the connecting flange leaves behind a non-folded lug of the column, i.e. a column component, which is not folded. After the folding operation, this column component defines the aforementioned non-folded lug.

The procedure usually adopted in this respect is that the connecting flange is defined on the column concerned by a cut being made into the column, preferably on its edge. In this way, there is produced in the column a column cutout that is defined or can be defined by a cut into the column edge. A laser cut has proven to be favourable in this regard, i.e. an incision in the material made with a laser, in particular a CO₂ laser. The column cutout so produced and that is still connected in one piece to the column along at least one edge or along an excluding folding line is now folded relative to the column. This folding takes place along the folding line which runs along the edge by which the column cutout is still connected in one piece to the column.

Specifically, the column cutout is folded back along the folding line concerned or along the edge or more precisely connecting edge of the column cutout to the rest of the column, recessing the previously mentioned non-folded lug. In detail, this can be realised in such a way that a flange cutout is in turn defined in the column cutout. This flange cutout does not follow the folding motion of the column cutout to create the connecting flange. In this way the flange cutout forms the non-folded lug. This means that the non-folded lug and the rest of the column are unaffected by the folding process.

Instead of equipping the column with the folded back connecting flange and the non-folded lug, the reverse can be done in which case the crossmember is equipped with the folded back connecting flange and the lug and the column has at least one recess into which the lug engages in a centring manner, in either case the connecting flange and the non-folded lug ensure a combined centring and coupling between column and crossmember.

The column is usually U-shaped in cross-section and in this respect the one or the two U-legs define the one or two connecting flanges. Two connecting flanges are normally provided, with one connecting flange on each U-leg. The design is also selected so that the two connecting flanges have the same length and width and are in most cases located or defined at the end of the column. In this way it is possible to manufacture columns of any desired length, whereby the connecting flanges in conjunction with the associated non-folded lugs can easily be defined at almost any point on the column—usually at the end.

To achieve this it is merely necessary to equip the column with the mentioned column cutout and equip the latter in turn with the flange cutout. As soon as the column cutout is folded back, not only the connecting flange but also the non-folded lug is available. The connecting flange usually serves for connecting with the crossmember. For this purpose the invention makes use for example of connecting means which penetrate the connecting flange and the crossmember together, for example bolts, rivets, clips etc.

At the same time the lug on the column which (lug) usually engages in a recess in or on the crossmember on the column provides the necessary centring between column and crossmember. In fact the configuration is usually designed so that when the lug is engaged in the recess, the column and the crossmember are aligned perpendicular to one another at the node point thus created. Other angular arrangements between column and crossmember are of course also possible within the scope of the invention.

The configuration is usually selected so that the two lugs per column cutout or per folded connecting flange are disposed in line one after the other in the longitudinal extension of the column. Consequently the corresponding two recesses in the crossmember to receive the respective lug are aligned in transverse direction. As a result, the interplay between the two lugs and the two associated recesses ensures that the previously mentioned perpendicular arrangement is achieved after the centring and coupling of crossmember and column. In any event the one lug or the two lugs on the column engages/engage in a centring manner in the one or the two corresponding recesses in or on the crossmember. It is only once this engagement is complete that the column and the crossmember are then coupled to one another through the previously mentioned connecting means.

In this context it has also proven to be an advantage if a support surface is associated with the connecting flange on the column. This support surface is usually defined so to speak automatically in the course of the folding of the column cutout while forming the connecting flange. In other words, the support surface concerned appears as it were by itself on the edge of the column cutout and comes into being when the column section concerned is folded back to form the connecting flange. The support surface serves as a bearing for the crossmember. Since the connecting flange is defined in the U-legs, two support surfaces which are aligned flush relative to one another appear after the associated column cutout is folded back. These two support surfaces act as bearings for the associated crossmember.

The crossmember as such can for example receive mountings which accept panes of glass, enclosing plates, cladding panels etc. made from all conceivable materials. The column too may be equipped with such mountings. In this way the supporting framework concerned can be adapted like a construction kit to accommodate very different requirements. It is particularly significant in this context that the supporting framework is configured to be self-supporting, i.e. that for example it encloses the machine element that is contained and housed within it totally or completely and without the machine element additionally assuming or having to assume supporting functions for the enclosure. The crossmembers and/or the columns can also be manufactured and/or stocked in standard sizes.

Consequently a machine or container treatment machine is made available which is equipped or which can be equipped with an as it were standardised covering. In this way differently configured container treatment machines can be completely or partially enclosed as may be required. Fully enclosed and/or sealed coverings are of course also conceivable so that container treatment machines that operate in sterile conditions can also and in particular be equipped in this way. This is all achievable by the construction kit method solely by using the specially designed columns and crossmembers. This is where the essential advantages are to be seen.

The invention is explained more fully below by reference to a drawing depicting just one embodiment; in the figures:

FIG. 1 shows the container treatment machine in a general overview,

FIG. 2 shows a detail from FIG. 1 in the region of a node point between column and crossmember,

FIG. 3 shows the column in front view in the region of the node point

FIG. 4 shows the associated column in a rear view, and

FIG. 5 shows a crossmember in the region of the node point.

The figures depict a machine, in particular a container treatment machine, which is not or may not be restricted to a filling machine for bottles. The container treatment machine concerned is equipped with at least one machine element, in this instance with a carrousel 1 for bottles or for containers generally. Other and completely differently configured machine elements 1 may also be used of course. Machine element 1 is provided with an associated covering 2 which within the scope of the embodiment is composed of a plurality of glass panes 3 which together fully enclose machine element 1. Covering 2 can of course also be configured in such a way that machine element 1 is only partially enclosed.

In order to define covering 2 in detail and to realise the desired enclosing of machine element 1, there is provided a supporting framework 4, 5 comprising columns 4 and crossmembers 5 interconnected in a centring manner at node points 6. In the depicted example, covering 2 and the individual glass panes 3 are held in place and supported with the help of columns 4 and of crossmembers 5. As already described above, supporting framework 4, 5 is designed to be self-supporting.

It can be seen from FIG. 2 and/or from a comparative consideration of FIGS. 3 and 4 that the respective column 4 is U-shaped in cross-section, providing two U-legs 4 a and a U-base 4 b as a result. The two U-legs 4 a define two connecting flanges 7. The two connecting flanges 7 are manufactured from the respective U-legs 4 a or more precisely from column 4 as a whole. For this purpose, a cut is made into the edge of column 4 and/or of associated U-legs 4 a, this being advantageously effected with the use of a laser which is also otherwise used for blanking. In this way there is initially defined a column cutout 7′ that remains connected to column 4 or to the latter's U-base 4 b or more precisely U-legs 4 a in one piece. This column cutout 7′ is folded back relative to column 4, so forming the connecting flange 7 concerned. It can be seen that for this purpose, column cutout 7′ is bent back along a folding line 8 by approx. 90° relative to the associated U-leg 4 a which defines it. At the same time said folding line 8 represents a folding edge along which flange cutout 7′ remains connected by its base and in one piece to column 4 or more precisely to the associated U-leg 4 a.

A flange cutout 9′ is also defined in column cutout 7′. This is again effected by a laser cut or laser blanking or more precisely laser incision. This flange cutout 9′ does not follow the folding motion of column cutout 7′. This means that flange cutout 9′ extends unchanged in the direction of the associated U-leg 4 a and in its entirety constitutes a part of U-leg 4 a and is unaffected by the folding motion that is executed to produce connecting flange 7. Consequently, after the folding motion that is executed to produce connecting flange 7 from column cutout 7′, flange cutout 9′ defines a lug 9 that is not folded relative to connecting flange 7.

Within the scope of the embodiment, two non-folded lugs 9 are provided per folded connecting flange 7 and/or per column cutout 7′. The two lugs 9 extend in the longitudinal extension of column 4 or more precisely are disposed in longitudinal extension of associated U-leg 4 a. There are in fact two connecting flanges 7 with two associated non-folded lugs 9, which relative overall to a longitudinal axis of symmetry S of column 4 are disposed opposite one another and are executed identically and symmetrically. The respective lug 9 or two lugs 9 on column 4 engages/engage in corresponding recesses 10 in crossmember 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the associated recesses 10 in crossmember 5 extend transversely relative to crossmember 5.

Consequently as soon as respective lug 9 engages in recess 5, column 4 is centred relative to crossmember 5. The design is configured in such a way that column 4 and associated crossmember 5 exhibit a predominantly perpendicular arrangement relative to one another. Column 4 and crossmember 5 are interconnected in the course of this centring or thereafter. For this purpose, one or a plurality of connecting means V may engage in holes 11 located to coincide with one another in connecting flange 7 on the one hand and in crossmember 5 on the other.

A support surface 12 is formed on column 4 in the course of the definition of column cutout 7′. This support surface 12 comes into being as it were automatically when the cut is made into column 4 or associated U-leg 4 a in order to form column cutout 7′. As soon as column cutout 7′ is folded back while producing connecting flange 7, support surface 12 is formed as it were automatically. In fact, there are realised two support surfaces 12 lying opposite longitudinal axis of symmetry S as mirror images of one another and which together act as bearings for crossmember 5. For this purpose crossmember 5 is provided with a fold 13 which rests on support surface 12 in question.

Finally, crossmember 5 can be seen to exhibit a number of mountings 14 which serve to receive glass panes 3 in this illustrative case or only of enclosing plates or cladding panels [sic]. Column 4 and crossmember 5 are generally produced as channel sections made of metal. Production from plastic is also basically possible. 

1-15. (canceled)
 16. An apparatus for treating containers, said apparatus comprising: at least one machine element, at least one associated covering that completely or partially covers said machine element, a supporting framework having columns and crossmembers, said columns and crossmembers being interconnected in a centering manner at node points to hold said associated covering.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one column comprises at least one connecting flange that is folded back relative to a non-folded lug for the combined centering relative to and coupling with a cross member.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one column has a U-shaped cross-section, and wherein said at least one column comprises U-legs defining at least one connecting flange.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said at least one column comprises a column cutout folded back relative to an associated U-leg to define said at least one connecting flange.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one column comprises at least one connecting flange defined by at least one flange cutout that does not follow a folding motion and that consequently defines a non-folded lug relative to a folded back connecting flange.
 21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one column comprises at least one connecting flange, said connecting flange being equipped with two flange cutouts and two non-folded lugs.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein a lug on said column engages, in a centering manner, a corresponding recess on a cross member.
 23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one column comprises a connecting flange having a support surface that acts as a bearing for a cross member.
 24. A method of holding a covering for complete or partial enclosure of a machine element of a container treatment machine, said method comprising: providing a supporting framework having columns and cross members wherein said columns and cross members are interconnected in a centering manner at node points to hold said covering.
 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: providing at least one column of said supporting framework with at least one connecting flange that is folded back relative to a non-folded lug for combined centering relative to and coupling with a cross member.
 26. A method for manufacturing a supporting framework for holding a covering for a container treatment machine having at least one machine element completely or partially enclosed by said covering, said method comprising: interconnecting columns and cross members of a supporting framework in a centering manner at node points.
 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising equipping at least one column with at least one connecting flange that is folded back relative to a non-folded lug for combined centering relative to and coupling with a cross member.
 28. The method of claim 26, further comprising defining a connecting flange on a column by making a cut into a side of said column and folding back, relative to said column, a column cutout thus created, said column cutout remaining connected in one piece to said column.
 29. The method of claim 26, further comprising defining a column cutout by a flange cutout that does not follow a folding motion of said column cutout, thereby defining a connecting flange and forming a non-folded lug.
 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising folding said column cutout, thereby forming a support surface on said column when said connecting flange is formed. 